The debate over virtual space, its benefits, and its harms has always been intense. Many experts believe that children are heavily influenced by the digital world. Parents, too, have their own concerns in this regard and constantly seek answers to the question: Can the effects of virtual space on children be reduced? Join Saed News for answers.
As a parent, are you aware of the negative effects of the virtual world on your children? Like all mass communication tools, the internet has both positive and negative aspects. The rapid growth of the internet and social networks over the past two decades has exposed today’s children and teenagers to various media, immersing them in the digital world.
One of the most evident weaknesses of social media is the addiction it creates. According to a survey, half of the teenagers studied felt addicted to their smartphones. A 2015 Pew Research report found that 73% of 13- to 17-year-olds not only had access to smartphones, but 24% reported being online almost constantly.
Brain scans of teenagers while viewing content similar to Instagram showed increased activity in the nucleus accumbens (the brain's reward center), especially when their posts received many "likes." This demonstrates how vulnerable this age group is to external validation, explaining their constant need for approval on social media.
Children who spend excessive time in virtual space may gradually lose the distinction between fantasy and reality. They become more prone to aggressive behaviors and develop reduced empathy for others' pain and suffering.
Parents should introduce their children to positive role models, not figures who set poor examples. Many online games involve violence and warfare, encouraging children to mimic aggressive behavior in real life.
Reports indicate that children, unaware of cybersecurity risks, may fall for phishing scams, unknowingly giving hackers access to their parents' financial details, bank cards, and personal data.
While children may not face physical threats in the virtual world, they may receive emails, chats, or messages that cause embarrassment, discomfort, depression, or extreme fear. Cyberbullying can damage a child's self-esteem and negatively affect their mental health.
Additionally, online platforms expose children to highly targeted advertising and the potential sale of their personal data to third parties.
Easy internet access has increased screen time among children, reducing their outdoor activities. Consequently, childhood cases of insomnia, depression, obesity, diabetes, and vision problems have skyrocketed worldwide due to excessive screen time and online gaming.
Excessive use of social media leads to sleep deprivation in children. Studies show that kids who spend more time online—especially those who sleep with mobile devices in their rooms—are at higher risk of sleep disorders.
Moreover, exposure to violent or inappropriate content can trigger nightmares. The blue light from screens delays sleep and negatively impacts academic performance.
On social media, people often present idealized versions of their lives. Children who constantly compare themselves to these curated lifestyles may feel inadequate, leading to depression and anxiety.
Experts suggest limiting children’s social media use to 30 minutes a day to prevent negative mental health effects.
Excessive internet and social media use negatively affect children’s education and daily activities. Many lose interest in outdoor games, schoolwork, and household responsibilities because their minds are constantly preoccupied with social media.
Some predators create fake profiles, posing as children’s age mates to gain their trust in chat rooms or forums. They may set up secret meetings or manipulate children into sharing sensitive information like parents’ bank account details.
Other risks include exposure to offensive, explicit, or violent content, which can cause psychological issues affecting education, relationships, and overall well-being.
Teenagers often feel misunderstood and may distance themselves from their families, seeking refuge in virtual friendships. However, these interactions lack emotional depth, increasing feelings of loneliness over time.
Excessive internet use is directly linked to poor social skills, as meaningful social interactions require face-to-face communication.
Warn children never to share personal details (address, phone number, school name, private photos) online—even with friends.
Use security software on your child’s devices to block access to inappropriate websites.
Place computers in shared areas (not bedrooms) and monitor their internet use. Also, supervise their smartphone and tablet activity by setting passwords on devices.
Teach children the difference between truth and deception online, just as in the real world.
Instruct them to be respectful online. Sitting behind a screen doesn’t change basic human values—teach them not to trust everything they see online, but without making them dishonest.
Teach children to respect others' rights on the internet.
Encourage educational content, such as documentaries, cartoons, and games that promote learning.
Be a role model—limit your own smartphone use and engage in traditional games, reading, or TV time with your child.
Foster open communication so that your child feels safe coming to you if they make an online mistake or face a threat.
Avoid installing social media apps like Instagram or Telegram on devices used by children under 10 years old. Instead, teach them basic computer skills like PowerPoint, safe web browsing, file management, music playback, and copy-paste functions.
Be transparent about monitoring their online activity. Spying destroys trust—if they experience something unpleasant online, they won't share it with you.
🔹 Your child receives phone calls from strangers.
🔹 They quickly turn off the computer when you enter the room.
🔹 They spend excessive time online (especially at night).
🔹 They withdraw from family conversations and avoid discussing their online activities.
🔹 They fear meeting new people and avoid going outside.
Parents, remember: Awareness is the first step to safety. Stay updated with technology and always stay a few steps ahead of your child. Consulting an expert can help manage online risks effectively.
💡 Most importantly, spend quality time with your child. Encourage real-life experiences over virtual ones, engage in creative activities, and maintain a relationship where your child feels comfortable sharing their concerns with you.
